Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, this week to participate in two significant summits. The Saudi-Africa Summit and the Arab African Summit, both scheduled for November 10 and 11, 2023. This announcement was made by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, during a press briefing at the Villa on Sunday.
Tinubu’s presence at these summits signifies a fresh effort to engage Arab nations, attracting businesses and additional Foreign Direct Investment to Nigeria. He aims to enhance economic ties and address mutual concerns in areas such as counterterrorism, environment, and agriculture. This participation aims to accelerate trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and Africa, leveraging the opportunities presented by the African continental Free Trade Agreement.
As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of Government, Tinubu will also attend the Arab-African Summit on November 11, deepening the partnership between Arab nations and the African Union. This collaboration is expected to improve infrastructure and establish a high-speed train network connecting the Middle East, Northern Africa, and the rest of the continent.
Ajuri Ngelale concluded by saying that President Tinubu’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia involves participation in two vital summits, focusing on strengthening economic ties, addressing mutual concerns, and fostering integration between Arab nations and Africa. These efforts aim to boost trade, investment, and economic growth in Nigeria and across the African continent.